DS Smith, a prominent global provider of fiber-based and sustainable packaging and a part of International Paper, is introducing a novel Closed-Type Tray designed specifically for the transport of kiwifruit and various fresh produce to suppliers in Greece.
This Closed-Type Tray aims to fulfill the stringent requirements of transatlantic shipping that may last over forty-five days. Its construction prioritizes product quality and freshness, utilizing lightweight materials to enhance load capacity while safeguarding the contents throughout the supply chain until they reach their final destination.
The adaptable nature of this packaging allows customization for diverse needs; it features 10kg trays that come equipped with a body, base, and integrated top lid. A die-cut technique creates ventilation holes on the sides, promoting air circulation. The tray’s robust interior structure, reinforced at the corners, significantly enhances durability, removing the necessity for added material reinforcement.
This innovative alternative to traditional plastic packaging facilitates the transportation of fresh fruits and is made from high-quality virgin fiber paper, engineered for both strength and resilience.
Furthermore, to maintain the optimal condition of the fruit during transit, producers have the option to include intelligent atmosphere and temperature-regulated bags within the sealed trays prior to shipping, ensuring that travel conditions are precisely managed.
In alignment with DS Smith’s pioneering Circular Design Principles, the design team employed their Circular Design Metrics (CDM) tools to assess the packaging’s sustainability across eight distinct indicators. This analysis includes aspects such as supply chain efficiency, recyclability, material utilization, carbon footprint, and renewable sources.
Additionally, the simple, user-friendly design aids in efficient packing, allowing for quick assembly on automatic forming machines, thus minimizing packing times. The outer design of the tray is adaptable to various printing techniques, enabling effective branding opportunities.
Giorgos Filippoglou, Managing Director of the Greek Cluster in the Packaging Division at DS Smith Hellas, emphasized, “At DS Smith, sustainability and innovation are at the core of every packaging solution we design and especially for critical sectors such as agri-food, where product safety, freshness, and quality are paramount. We used our Circular Design Metrics (CDM) tools to ensure that this packaging solution is fully recyclable and created for easy collection, processing, and reintegration into the supply chain as raw material. Its focus is on performance optimisation, durability, and functionality, and it is lightweight to meet the demands of these international supply chains.”
The Closed-Type Tray is exclusively available for kiwifruit producers in Greece until 2026, with DS Smith currently supplying approximately 1.5 million trays to clients across the globe each year.
In pursuit of a circular economy and backed by a comprehensive sustainability strategy, DS Smith is dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for customers worldwide. For further details, please visit www.dssmith.com.